MichCanSka announces 2015 world tour plans

SAULT STE. MARIE — Announcing MichCanSka's most ambitious trip to date, President Bill Bradfield provided a thorough presentation on Friday at the Sault Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau as part of the planning process for the 2015 World Tour.

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By Scott Brandsbrand@sooeveningnews.com

Sault Ste. Marie Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

By Scott Brandsbrand@sooeveningnews.com

Posted Jul. 21, 2014 at 1:00 PM

By Scott Brandsbrand@sooeveningnews.com

Posted Jul. 21, 2014 at 1:00 PM

SAULT STE. MARIE — Announcing MichCanSka's most ambitious trip to date, President Bill Bradfield provided a thorough presentation on Friday at the Sault Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau as part of the planning process for the 2015 World Tour.

"The Sault has got to be the place to start this," said the Cadillac native during the lengthy planning session. "It's the capital of the snowmobile belt."

For local folks, MichCanSka first appeared on the radar in 2010 when they took to the I-500 Race Track for a ceremonial lap marking the beginning of their journey to Tok, Alaska. Traveling approximately 4,000 miles through the dead of winter, 54 riders completed the entire trek raising more than $100,000 for diabetes research.

"It was a tremendous success," said Bradfield adding that the participating riders saw and experienced so much along the way. "It was bigger than any one of us."

The 2015 Tour, however, will be even more ambitious including stops throughout the Upper Peninsula and Ontario, before boarding a plane for the European leg of the journey. Norway, Finland, Sweden and Russia will host rides as the sledheads grind their way across the ice and snow braving the cold to raise more funds for the cause.

Bradfield unveiled his plan before Executive Director Linda Hoath of the Sault Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau, City Manager Oliver Turner, Executive Director Stephanie Kisner of the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce and Sales Manager Stephanie Sprecker of Kewadin Casinos Hotel and Convention Center.

In addition to announcing his ambitious plan, Bradfield explained he was in town to get advice and direction from all of the previously mentioned parties as he works towards the MichCanSka 2015 World Tour.

The Upper Peninsula trips include the 120-mile Feb. 6, 2015 run from the Sault to Paradise and back; the Feb. 7 trip to Hulbert and back and the Feb. 8 journey to Cedarville and back. From there, the participating riders will make their way from the Sault to Wawa, Ont. and then on north the following day into Hearst, Ont. before boarding a plane and flying across the ocean to continue the world tour.

"One hundred percent of the funds raised are going directly to diabetes research," said Bradfield.

Participants will not be required to fly their own sleds as MichCanSka will make all arrangements for machines and guides on the other side of the pond.

Anyone interested in being a part of the 2015 World Tour can learn more at hoxeyvillain@hotmail.com.

Bradfield indicated he would like to compile his list of participants by August 1 and there is a $200 registration fee. The fee is designed to cover all costs associated with organizing the ride plus various mementos marking the accomplishment.

Out-of-pocket expenses, by Bradfield's estimate, will run in the neighborhood of $8,000 for riders wishing to complete all the legs of MichCanSka's 2015 World Tour.